Christmas & New Year’s Celebrations in Norway

Bergen - Kirkenes - Bergen

Norway is renowned for its Christmas traditions, steeped in the origins of countless legends of trolls and yuletide tales and of sleighs and magical reindeer. And because of Hurtigruten's unique and authentic brand of travel, you'll experience the traditions of another culture in a way that will stay with you for a lifetime.

Make Christmas decorations together with fellow guests and crew

Learn Norwegian Christmas carols as we practice and sing together

Decorate gingerbread houses together with fellow guests and crew

Enjoy traditional Norwegian 'Julegrot' (Christmas porridge). Find the almond in the porridge and win a prize!

Lonely Planet describes this ultimate Hurtigruten cruise as "The world's most beautiful voyage." We take you from Bergen to Kirkenes and back in 12 days. See 34 ports and journey more than 2,500 nautical miles, allowing you to explore every inch of Norway's coastal magic.

At any time of year, it's a cruise like no other. The drama of the scenery and wildlife will stir the explorer in you. Twenty-two of the ports lie north of the Arctic Circle – and you have the opportunity to join excursions tailored to match your exploration level. Whatever you miss on the northbound sailing at night, you can see during daytime on the southbound sailing.

In the Classics League

The Hurtigruten cruise duly earns its place in the hall of fame of iconic travel routes, together with such global classics as the Orient Express, Amazon, and revered Route 66. Visit cities like Bergen, Ålesund and Trondheim, before crossing the polar circle and sailing into the Arctic. Southbound, you see Lofoten and Trollfjorden in daylight, before sailing along the Helgeland coast, passing the Seven Sisters mountains. Admire the overwhelmingly beautiful west coast of Norway on the way to our final destination, Bergen.

Spectacular Seasons

No matter what time of year you travel with Hurtigruten, you are surrounded by beautiful nature at every turn. Still, every season has its own charm.

Three Seasons in One Journey

Spring heralds the return of warmth and daylight, which is like an infusion of vitamins, kick-starting life along the Norwegian coast. The migratory birds return and fill the skies and rocky coastal headlands with teeming life. Spring is also a time of celebration. May 17 is Norway's National Day and the coastal communities become a blaze of color and tradition. Hurtigruten also visits the beautiful Lyngenfjord, with its majestic mountain backdrop and unique nature. Sail from summer temperatures in Bergen, to the Arctic, where you can still participate in our winter excursions – all during one cruise.

The Season of Eternal Sun

Summer is the most popular time of year for exploring Norway's coast. The long, bright days during summer seem to energize both nature and people. Even as far south as Bergen, you can experience 19 hours of daylight. Flowers bloom, rivers fill with fish and giant waterfalls cascade towards the ocean, creating a scenic setting for a summer holiday. This is when we sail into the Geirangerfjord on the northbound cruise. North of the Arctic Circle you can experience the midnight sun. Daylight in the middle of the night is an intense experience, and you may have to force yourself to go to bed.

The Season of Colors

Our autumn sailings include a visit to the incredibly beautiful Hjørundfjord. Majestic mountains surround this narrow fjord, and we offer several excursions that let you explore this spectacular area. Enjoy a splendid cruise during fall, as fresh, clear coastal air enhances the intense red and yellow leaves that fill the mountainsides, hilltops and woods. From on deck, you may see the highest peaks sprinkled with the first snows of the season, against the backdrop of an ice-blue sky. Gradually, the evenings become darker and the days shorter. With any luck, the northern lights will appear and dazzle you with their magical majesty.

Northern Lights Season

Winter is perhaps the most special time to explore Norway´s pristine, wild landscapes. The ground is covered in white snow and the air is fresh, crisp and pure. Clusters of cozy houses glow on the shores like embers. Stunning backdrops of snowy mountains reflect the polar twilight. Sailing with Hurtigruten to Norway's far-northern reaches is to experience a magical winter wonderland and hopefully the mesmerising Aurora Borealis. For thousands of years, locals, visitors, artists and scientists have marveled at these spectacular displays that occasionally light up the night sky. Sailing with Hurtigruten provides the best chances to see this mystical colorful light show flickering across the Arctic sky.

Expedition Teams Onboard

Onboard you will meet our dedicated experts with one single mission: to enhance your experience by leading activities and interpreting the cultural and natural treasures you encounter during your cruise. When you travel with us, you not only observe – you have the chance to truly interact with the landscapes we sail through. Not only do you experience some of the most beautiful places on earth, you have the chance to taste fresh local specialties prepared by culinary artists. Guests from Norway and abroad love us - they want the original. They want to go where no one else goes, with a crew and ship that belongs there. They want to experience and learn from guides who truly know this coast, who have Norway not only in their DNA but in their soul. We invite you to join our Expedition Team on outdoor activities and hikes in Ålesund, Trondheim, Bodø, Tromsø, Honningsvåg, Kirkenes, Lofoten, Brønnøysund, and other sites.

Your voyage prices includes

Voyage in cabin category of your choice, on a full-board basis

English-speaking Tour Leader on board

Not included

Flights & transfers

Travel insurance

Optional excursions

Luggage handling

Please note

Prices are in USD ($) per person based on two people travelling together sharing a twin cabin

Not all categories are available for all departures

Single cabin pricing available on request

Hurtigruten has a flexible pricing system and all prices are capacity controlled and subject to availability.

Cruise Itinerary

Experience the Classic Voyage North (7 days), the Classic Voyage South (6 days), the Norwegian Discovery Voyage (11 days), or the Classic Roundtrip Voyage (12 days, as shown below) to see it all. Whichever trip you choose, you will experience Norway and its unique Christmas traditions.

Departure Varies by Season

Daily Departures, Year-Round

The Journey Begins at the Gateway to the Fjords

Location
: Bergen

Your cruise starts in Bergen, a city surrounded by seven mountains. Before departure you may want to explore this cultural gateway to the fjords. Bergen was founded in 1070 A.D., and was the capital of Norway for several years. The city is a central point for Norwegian travel, and has retained a great deal of its local historical character.

One example is the historic UNESCO-listed Bryggen district, with colorful wharfs dating back to the 14th century. Take a stroll around this charming, compact city, spend some time in one of the outdoor cafés and restaurants, enjoy a trip on the Fløibanen funicular, or visit the famous fish market. After embarkation, we invite you to our tasty dinner buffet, based on the best and freshest coastal ingredients.

We sail north from Bergen along the Hjeltefjord, the same route the Vikings used on their way to the Shetland Islands and beyond. We are heading to the High North. Spend the rest of the evening relaxing and admiring the spectacular landscapes, either from on deck or in the panorama lounge. Before your cruise starts, you can explore more of Norway with our Land Adventures. We offer a variety of packages at our main ports across coastal Norway. 'Norway in a Nutshell' starts in Bergen and takes you to some of the most magnificent scenery in the world with breathtaking fjords, rural villages, and the spectacular Flåm Mountain Railway. Our pre and post programs and Land Adventures are a great way to complement your cruise and see more of inland Norway.

A Day for Architectural and Natural Masterpieces

Location
: Florø - Molde

If you wake up early the next day, you can enjoy the breathtaking beauty of Nordfjord, followed by a delicious breakfast. As we sail past the West Cape, we enter the open ocean, before navigating through skerries and islands to reach Ålesund. Distinguished by its numerous spires, towers, and ornate buildings, Ålesund is renowned for its beautiful Art Nouveau architecture. A devastating fire in 1904 burned a large proportion of the city to the ground, and it was rebuilt in the fashionable style of the time, Art Nouveau. If you like marine life, join us on a visit to Atlanterhavsparken – one of Northern Europe’s largest saltwater aquariums, which includes a visit to the open-air pool to see the resident penguins. After visiting Atlanterhavsparken, we continue onwards and upwards to Mount Aksla, where you get an amazing panorama of the area. In the summer months, we set course for the spectacular UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord, passing sheer, 2,500 ft cliffs and impressive waterfalls en route.

In autumn, we explore Hjørundfjord, situated amid the majestic Sunnmøre Alps. Its seclusion and unspoiled natural landscape are what give this fjord its special character, far from the tourist bustle. We take our passengers past steep rock walls that you can nearly reach out and touch, emerald green meadows, lonely mountain farms and small villages.

Optional excursions on this day in the period 01 April 2017 - 31 March 2018:

Discover Medieval Spirit in the Old Capital

Location
: Kristiansund – Rørvik

Few large cities have managed to preserve their intimacy as effectively as Norway’s third largest city, Trondheim. Viking king Olav Tryggvason founded this ancient city in 997. Join our optional excursion to Norway’s national shrine, the Nidaros Cathedral, the country's only Gothic-style cathedral and built over the burial place of St. Olav (Tryggvason), Norway’s patron saint.

On this tour you can marvel at the cathedral’s incredible architectural details and exquisite artworks. Then we continue to the Ringve Museum of Musical History, where the history of Norway’s music is brought to life. This beautiful manor house is surrounded by a wonderful botanical garden, and provides fantastic views of both the city and the fjord. You can also explore Trondheim from sea level in a kayak along the River Nid from June to September, or experience the city on a bicycle and try out the world’s only bicycle lift from April to September. In summer, you can join the expedition team for explorer boat activities to discover more of Trondheim and its surroundings.

In the afternoon, the ship sets a northwest course, passing the beautiful Kjeungskjær lighthouse and numerous islets and rocky reefs. After passing through the narrow Stokksund, the ship heads toward charming Rørvik.

Optional excursions on this day in the period 01 April 2017 - 31 March 2018:

Welcome to the Arctic Region!

Location
: Brønnøysund - Svolvær

Today we cross the Arctic Circle! This invisible line is situated at 66° 33’ North and demarcates the Arctic region. In summer, this means 24-hour daylight and the midnight sun. During winter, this latitude provides the best chances to experience the northern lights. Even if you aren’t awake when we cross the Arctic Circle, the captain makes sure that the occasion is memorable. If you are sailing in Arctic waters for the first time, you may participate in a daytime Arctic Circle ceremony out on deck. Near the village of Ørnes is Svartisen, Norway’s second largest glacier. Join us for a trip to the Svartisen Tourist Center in summer and admire the beauty of this enigmatic ice world. Afterward, the excursion continues along the beautiful Helgeland coastline to Bodø, where you rejoin the ship. In Bodø, you can join an adventure in harmony with nature, eagles, and the deep blue sea. The excursion heads to Saltstraumen in a RIB (rigid inflatable boat), where you witness the world’s most powerful tidal current. There is also a good chance you'll observe sea eagles on this exciting journey through wild landscape. Later the same afternoon, we spot the 3,000 ft high Lofoten Wall on the horizon. Tucked between tall mountains, majestic granite cliffs and white-sand beaches, Lofoten is a truly extraordinary experience. The charm of the Lofoten Islands is partly revealed in its small, picturesque fishing villages with their bohemian atmosphere.

Take a stroll between stockfish racks and traditional fisherman’s huts called 'rorbuer'. At Stamsund, join a historical journey to the Lofotr Viking Museum, where you are invited into the chieftain’s house, a full-size reconstruction that features exhibits of finds dating back to the Viking Age. The chieftain and lady of the house invite you to join them for a real Viking meal in the banquet hall, providing a taste of the Viking Age and complete with traditional food, drinks, costumes, singing, and dancing. Between Stamsund and Svolvær, you have the opportunity to experience life on an organic herb and cheese farm, or visit the Lofoten’s only craft brewery, situated in an old fish landing facility.

In winter, crossing the Arctic Circle is when our hunt for the northern lights begins. We celebrate the event by presenting a multimedia show entitled 'The Magic Light, Aurora Borealis', featuring pictures, words, and music. As we sail through the narrow Raftsund, we stop at the entrance to Trollfjord. Here we serve freshly made fishcakes out on deck. You also hear the story of the battle of Trollfjord, which took place here in the winter of 1890. If you look closely, you might see trolls up in the steep mountains!

Optional excursions on this day in the period 01 April 2017 - 31 March 2018:

Feeling Like a Polar Hero

Location
: Stokmarknes – Skjervøy

Get ready for a day full of exciting activities, whatever season in which you are travelling! During the morning hours, we briefly dock at Risøyhamn, Harstad, and Finnsnes. The ship then proceeds to Tromsø, the Capital of the Arctic, for a prolonged stay. Many epic Arctic expeditions used Tromsø as a starting point. Join our Polar History Walk excursion in winter to learn more about the explorers and Arctic hunters, and to taste beer made at the world's northernmost brewery. Or take part in an excursion to meet the Arctic's indigenous reindeer herders, the Sámi people. In winter and spring, you can complete your stay in Tromsø with a thrilling dog-sled ride. On this mini polar expedition, the huskies pull you over the frozen landscape while you enjoy stunning views of the ocean, mountains, and open plateaus. During the polar night, the only light comes from our headlamps, the starry sky, and, if we’re lucky, the magical northern lights. Or, why not test your coordination skills and have some winter fun by joining a cross-country skiing or snowshoeing adventure. In summer, you can join the expedition team for explorer boat activities and discover more of Tromsø and its surroundings.

If you want to experience peace and quiet on the sea, join us for a kayaking excursion in summer. Paddle through waters in and around Tromsø with mountains as a stunning backdrop. This is a great way to quietly explore the coastline and get close to marine wildlife. Speaking of quiet, you can also join a silent winter whale safari in the Kaldfjord. Guided by an expert crew trained in responsible wildlife tourism, you are transported by 'Opal', a carbon-neutral, oak sailing boat. The only sound you hear are the whales surfacing and spouting from their blowholes, as well as your heart beating a little bit faster than normal!

After an exhilarating day in Tromsø, we continue our northbound journey. In winter, the captain invites his guests on deck to taste stockfish. The ship is now sailing in waters where you have the best chances to see the northern lights between October and March. We gather on deck to search the skies for this remarkable cosmic phenomenon.

At the Top of the World - North Cape

Location
: Øksfjord – Berlevåg

Enjoy magnificent sub-Arctic landscapes as we cross the 71st parallel on our journey toward the North Cape, one of the northernmost points on the European continent. In summer, you may see herds of grazing reindeer and small camps belonging to the indigenous Sámi people. After brief, early stops at Hammerfest and Havøysund, we arrive in Honningsvåg, the gateway to the spectacular North Cape. An optional excursion to the North Cape plateau puts you at 71°10’21' N, only 1,250 miles away from the Geographic North Pole. Standing atop the 1,000 ft high North Cape plateau imparts a sublime sense of being at the top of the world. While admiring the view, be sure to get some photographic evidence of this amazing place. Close to North Cape you find one of the world’s most exciting nature reserves, Gjesværstappan. Join us for a birdwatching safari to experience Finnmark’s largest flock of puffins, together with large numbers of kittiwakes. During the nesting season, this area teems with life, and mighty sea eagles hover above in search of prey. Guillemots, razorbills, cormorants, Arctic skuas, northern fulmars, Brünnich’s guillemots, and the large northern gannet fill the air with a cacophony of shrieks and screeches.

If you want to learn more about local life in this remote region, join a fishing village tour that takes you across the island of Magerøya's fantastic scenery to the fishing communities of Kamøyvær and Skarsvåg. Along the way, your guide tells you about the area's nature, its local culture, and its history. The ship then continues north, sailing into the heartland of the indigenous Sámi people. We pass their ancient sacred site, the rock formation of Finnkirka, as we approach our next stop, the fishing village of Kjøllefjord. Here you have the opportunity to learn more about the Sámi people, and explore the wonderful surrounding landscape.

Other optional excursions include learning about Sámi traditions and their way of life, and hearing traditional Sámi 'joiking' (song). In winter, you can join us on an unforgettable snowmobile trip to one of Europe’s most extreme and exciting natural areas. Along the way, the guides tell you about the Sámi people, the geographic and climatic conditions, life on the Finnmark coast, and how the local population effectively utilizes nature in both summer and winter. Experience snowy valleys, the fresh winter air, and perhaps the mesmerizing northern lights in the starry sky. Sámi Autumn is an excursion where you learn about the Arctic natural 'pantry' and 'pharmacy', and you will sample dried-reindeer meat, crowberry juice, herbal tea (nettle), and roseroot tincture. You may also feel the presence of the Sámi shaman, Noaidi. In Berlevåg, you can join a unique two-day winter expedition into the Arctic wilderness, including both dog-sledding and snowmobiling.

Capital of the Barents Region and the Turning Point

Location
: Båtsfjord – Kirkenes – Berlevåg

The vistas become more dramatic as we approach Kirkenes. We arrive early in nearby Vadsø and just after breakfast, we arrive in Kirkenes. At 30° East, Kirkenes is further east than St. Petersburg and Istanbul. It is also Hurtigruten’s turning point for the return trip southbound. Kirkenes is known as the capital of the Barents region and the gateway to the east. The Russian frontier is a just few miles away from Kirkenes. You may find it intriguing that the local road signs are written in both Norwegian and Russian. Depending on the season, there are many ways to visit the Russian border: Travel by bus (all year), enjoy a riverboat safari, or join an action-packed trip on ATV/quad-bikes. Kirkenes also boasts several fascinating small museums recounting the remote region's remarkably rich history and heritage. Spending time in Kirkenes provides the opportunity to take part in several adventurous activities into the Arctic outback.

In winter, Kirkenes is home to the fantastic Snowhotel, a base for several exciting excursions. You can also greet the reindeer that reside on the grounds. During spring, you can still enjoy winter activities and excursions, for example, exploring the Arctic wilderness on a snowmobile and driving over a frozen fjord. During the adventure, guides tell you all about the history of the Sámi people, the extreme Arctic climate, and the area's unique wildlife. On our dog-sled adventures, huskies eagerly transport you across the frozen Arctic tundra. You can also catch and eat giant king crab from the Barents Sea. In summer, you can hike across mountainous terrain with your own husky companion. As the ship starts its cruise southward, you will enjoy lunch, and then view the surrounding Arctic landscape from our on deck or in the panorama lounge. As we depart Kirkenes, you’ve only seen half of what our Norwegian coastline cruise has to offer.

Prepare yourself for many new experiences! The ports visited at night on the northbound trip are now seen by during the day. In the afternoon, the ship again docks at Vardø, Norway’s easternmost port. Weather permitting, we may invite you to experience ice bathing in the Arctic Ocean. Onboard in spring, we show a presentation about shorebirds along the Nordic coastline. Heading west, we cruise along the Varanger peninsula to Båtsfjord, before reaching Berlevåg in the evening. Berlevåg is home to one of Norway’s most famous male choirs, consisting mainly of local fishermen.

Surrounded by Excitement

Location
: Mehamn – Tromsø

In the middle of the night, we dock at Mehamn, where you can join an unforgettable snowmobile trip through one of Europe’s most extreme and exciting natural areas. Experience snow-clad valleys, fresh winter air, and perhaps the mesmerizing northern lights in the clear, starry sky. At Honningsvåg, you can join a coach excursion that features breakfast at the North Cape, and discover hidden parts of Finnmark along the way. Before arriving in Hammerfest, you may want to enjoy an'energy coffee' and short onboard introduction to nearby Melkøya - the world's northernmost natural gas terminal. In autumn, we invite you on deck to taste dried reindeer meat.

The town of Hammerfest was founded in 1789, and over time became Norway’s polar capital, serving as a base for hunting expeditions into the High Arctic. Here you can see the UNESCO-listed Meridian Column, erected in 1854 to commemorate the first precise, geographic measurement of the Earth. You can also join a mini-mountain expedition to experience the Arctic outdoors and learn about local polar hero and cook, Adolf Henrik Lindstrøm. We then continue south to Øksfjord. In winter, our crew teaches you how to tie maritime knots on deck. After crossing open water, we make a brief stop at the old trading post of Skjervøy, where Hurtigruten founder Richard With was born.

In spring, we sail through the beautiful Lyngenfjord, surrounded by the snowy peaks of the Lyngen Alps, and where a local fisherman may visit and share fresh, locally caught prawns. Then we dock at Tromsø, just in time to enjoy a magical Midnight Concert at the Arctic Cathedral. Or, walk around the town and enjoy a local brew at one of the city's many friendly pubs. In summer, you can join the expedition team for explorer boat activities to discover more of Tromsø and its surroundings.

Lofoten, Where Nature Amazes

Location
: Tromsø – Stamsund

This morning we arrive at Harstad, where you can participate in one of Hurtigruten's most classic excursions: A Taste of Vesterålen. On this tour you'll experience history, beautiful scenery, and a selection of breathtaking sights, including Trondenes Church, one of Norway’s premier cultural heritage sites from the late Middle Ages. Those who choose to stay onboard can admire views of this old church as we sail toward the Risøyrenna, a shallow, 23 ft deep channel made for Hurtigruten in the 1920s to provide an 'inside route' between Harstad and Sortland. Sandbanks along the Risøyrenna are visible through the clear, green water. The island groups of Lofoten and Vesterålen offer some of the most stunning scenery you see during the entire coastal cruise. The Lofoten region is renowned for its natural beauty with steep mountains, wild nature and small, picturesque fishing villages. The daylight sailing route through the Lofoten Islands is a highlight for many of our guests.

Risøyhamn is a small village with only 200 inhabitants, and we make a short stop here to deliver passengers, groceries, and mail. As a springtime tribute to the region's fishing heritage, our chef shows how to fillet the catch of the day on deck. We then continue south via Sortland to Stokmarknes, where Hurtigruten was founded more than 120 years ago. Go ashore and pay a visit to the Hurtigruten museum here. Continuing southward, it looks like we are sailing straight into a mountain wall, but we end up slipping through an opening leading to the narrow Raftsund. This 12-mile passage between Lofoten and Vesterålen takes you through mountains soaring 3,300 ft directly out of the sea. Then we reach the spectacular Trollfjord, only one mile long and 330 ft wide, and surrounded by majestic mountains. If weather and time permit, the captain will make a detour into the fjord. Steep cliffs hug the ship's sides and the dramatic landscape conjures the imaginary land of trolls.

Trollfjord is also the realm of the sea eagle. Just north of the fjord, a smaller vessel awaits you to take you to see this magnificent bird up close on an optional sea eagle safari. To join the safari, you transfer to a smaller tour boat on the Trollfjord. To do this, the Hurtigruten ship must turn around in the narrow fjord, a magnificent sight and accomplishment in its own right! The eagle safari begins in earnest after leaving the Trollfjord, passing through narrow channels flanked by steep mountains where the birds dwell and can be viewed. These beautiful, rare birds of prey will circle the boat a few times before we toss fish into the sea for them to snatch and devour. Don't forget your camera!

Reaching Svolvær, you can choose from several optional excursions. Join our Lofoten Islands tour to learn more about the archipelago's fishing communities, beautiful scenery, and local art. You can also join a horseback ride and experience a sunset trot through powdery white sand on a beach along the Norwegian Sea. If you want more of an adrenaline rush, join one of our high-octane excursions by RIB. Lofoten is known for its excellent fishing, and in winter you can join a fishing trip to try your luck catching cod. Or, take a guided fishing village walk that provides insight into the local history and culture. From Svolvær, we continue to Stamsund, where we see the majestic peaks of the huge Lofoten Wall. We leave Lofoten during the evening and set course for the mainland.

The Seven Sisters

Location
: Bodø – Rørvik

Crossing the Arctic Circle at 66°33’N is an important 'rite of passage'. Today we celebrate the event out on deck with a taste of Arctic tradition: a spoonful of cod liver oil! Sailing along the Helgeland coast, we pass hundreds of islets, fertile farmland, and steep granite walls rich in local lore. On deck you can see the strange mountain Torghatten (rising 850 ft above sea level), famous for its distinctive hole right through the middle. The hole is 525 ft long, 115 ft high, and 65 ft wide, and was created during the Ice Age. Another highlight is sailing past the Seven Sisters mountain range. All seven peaks are between 2,800 and 3,600 ft high, and it is easy to understand how thid mountain range led to ancient myths. The story goes that there were seven troll sisters, the daughters of King Sulis, who kept them under strict control. One night, when the king fell into a deep sleep, the seven maidens slipped out. Vågekallen, who was eager for a wife, was lying in wait. He pursued the sisters, who fled southward down the coast. Several other trolls joined the chase to either capture or rescue the sisters. When night turned to morning, the troll sisters and their pursuers were petrified as the sun turns all trolls to stone.

These 'trolls' became the rocks and mountains that today make the Helgeland coastline one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Next we make a short stop at Nesna, an idyllic old trading post, before moving on to Sandnessjøen. The UNESCO World Heritage site of the Vega Islands is on nearby Sandnessjøen and can be visited on an optional excursion during summer. This unique landscape consists of dozens of islands. The UNESCO designation was awarded due to the unique interaction between the eider duck and island population. Learn how the fishermen and farmers have cultivated a centuries-old symbiotic relationship with the eider ducks, and how this tradition continues to contribute to a livelihood of eiderdown harvesting and making down-filled duvets.

On another optional excursion between Sandnessjøen and Brønnøysund you can experience an exciting blend of culture, nature, and architecture. Visit the museum at Alstahaug, which is dedicated to the life of Petter Dass (1647-1707), the foremost Norwegian poet of his generation. The museum consists of several buildings, the oldest being the old vicarage from the mid-1700s, are features continuous exhibitions. The museum, church, and graveyard are preserved and protected by the Norwegian Cultural Heritage.

In Cod We Trust

Location
: Trondheim – Ålesund

Today provides another opportunity to explore the city of Trondheim. Join the explorer team to discover even more of the city and its surroundings on explorer boat activities offered in summer. Back on board, the ship heads out into the majestic Trondheimsfjord, which is 105 miles long and up to 16 miles wide. Like all other Norwegian fjords, it is deep, plunging to 1,900 ft.

As we sail along the coast, you discover the importance of fishing to the Norwegian coastal communities. Kristiansund’s location has steadily provided the town with abundant opportunities in the fishing, shipbuilding, and oil industries. Today, Kristiansund is regarded as Norway’s 'dried cod capital' because of its longtime export of salted, dried codfish. Here you can join an excursion to the renowned Atlantic Road, one of Norway’s most visited tourist destinations. It is five miles long, built on a total of eight bridges, and surrounded by picturesque landscapes and open sea. You can also choose a sightseeing tour of Kristiansund, and visit Kvernes Stave Church on the nearby island of Averøy.

Final Chapter of the Fairy Tale

Location
: Bergen

A few nautical miles south of Florø, we navigate the mouth of the mighty Sognefjord and admire superb views of this magnificent, island-studded coastline. You disembark in Bergen, taking with you memories of a unique journey filled with unforgettable, immersive experiences and authentic interactions with local people, diverse wildlife, and stunning nature. If you'd like to explore more of Norway, add on a few extra nights with our Land Adventures program, where you can see breathtaking fjords; explore steep mountain landscapes in Lofoten; take an extraordinary train ride; experience Norway’s capital city, Oslo; or discover the jewel in the crown of Arctic Norway: Svalbard. We highly recommend staying a couple of nights in one of our featured cities and regions (Kirkenes, Tromsø, Lofoten, Bergen, Oslo, or Longyearbyen) to experience even more Norwegian cuisine, culture, and scenery. All accommodations are specially selected to offer the best and most authentic Norwegian experience.

Expedition Team

The expedition team members are experts on all things related to Norway, skilled lecturers, and your hosts on board and on land. They are present on select ships in 2016 and 2017. Read more about them below.

Young Explorers Program

Starting April 1, 2017, children ages 7–13 can partake in our complimentary Young Explorers Program. It is designed for children traveling with adults to magnificent destinations, and the focus is on education, fun, and participation.

Northbound Excursions

These are the available excursions for this Voyage. We recommend that you add them to your voyage during the online booking process, but you can also book the excursions on board the ship if the excursion still has capacity.

Southbound Excursions

These are the available excursions for the Classic Southbound Voyage. We recommend that you add them to your voyage during the online booking process, but you can also book the excursions on board the ship if the excursion still has capacity.

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Flight Packages

Please contact us if you want to add on a flight between the US and Bergen. All flight packages include transfers. We also have arrival and departure packages that include transfers and overnight hotel stays in Bergen and a departure package that includes transfers, an overnight hotel stay in Bergen, rail from Bergen to Oslo, and an overnight stay at a hotel in Oslo.